Tirupati celebrates Janmashtami with massive devotee turnout

Tirupati: Devotional chants, colourful decorations and packed temple streets marked Janmashtami celebrations in Tirupati on Friday, as thousands of devotees gathered at temples across the pilgrim city to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Hare Krishna Lotus Temple of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) witnessed the largest congregation, with the temple authorities estimating that more than one lakh devotees visited during the day.

The rush at ISKCON temple began in the early hours, with devotees arriving from different parts of the city and neighbouring areas. The entire Hare Krishna Road was crowded as worshippers waited in long queues for darshan. Despite the waiting time stretching beyond four hours, devotees remained patient and continued to wait for their turn to offer prayers.

Special arrangements were made inside and outside the temple, which was decorated extensively for the occasion. The colourful decorations and devotional ambience added to the festive mood. The chants of ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ continued to reverberate through the temple premises and surrounding streets throughout the day. Devotees participated in prayers and other religious programmes organised as part of the Janmashtami celebrations.

The traditional Utlotsavam (Utti Kottadam) held in the evening emerged as one of the major attractions as part of recreating the playful childhood episodes associated with Lord Krishna. Considering the huge gathering, police made elaborate security and traffic arrangements around ISKCON temple. Traffic diversions were implemented to facilitate the movement of devotees and vehicles, while additional personnel were deployed at key points. Drones were also used to monitor the crowds and maintain surveillance in the temple surroundings.

Several other Krishna temples in Tirupati also witnessed a steady stream of devotees. Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple near Palani Theatre attracted worshippers, particularly those, who wanted to avoid heavy rush at ISKCON. The temple authorities also organised Annadanam and served meals to devotees.

In Srikalahasti temple, special puja rituals were performed with devotion at Saptagokulam located at the first gopuram on the occasion of Sri Krishna Jayanti. As part of the celebrations, prayers were offered and Lord Krishna was worshipped with devotion. Temple priests conducted the rituals with the chanting of Vedic hymns.

Kanipakam devasthanam conducted the celebrations at the temple’s Gosala. Prayers were offered to the idol of Lord Krishna, followed by pujas for the cows. Donations and offerings were also made as part of the celebrations. The traditional Utlotsavam was also organised, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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